Christmas week has been very quiet. However, each day a "neighbor boat" in the marina will getting a bit more active. They will remove their sun covers, fuel up, wash things down, have crew arrive, grand kids and pets show up and they make final preparations to head out for some January cruising.
Dylan has headed back to the US now, and we are getting ready to do some short trips in and around Loreto with just the two of us. We'll use that time to start thinking about our Spring cruising plan March - May in which we anticipate no fuel, no water and limited grocery supplies in the northern part of the Sea of Cortez. Its amazing how much effort goes into being spontaneous.
Then in Jan & Feb, we have 3 rounds of guests that will be staying at the Okisollo Bed & Breakfast (or nearby) and require food, rough itineraries and lots of to/from the airport.
I'm therefore thinking my new boat title now that Dan is 'officially' a USCG Captain (it only took 8 months for the paperwork!!!)-- that I should consider the title of Chief Logistics officer.
We also have to think about the projects that are going to go on this upcoming summer to begin organizing for supplies & parts. We'll be leaving the boat in Mexico -- and unattended for a few months in the hot sun -- which takes thorough preparation and lots of tin foil (apparently, more on that later!) We also have some land projects (in two states) so we've got those to figure out too.
As we reflect on our adventures in 2023, Dan has most enjoyed the variety of places we've visited and explored. I've most enjoyed the wildlife sightings and loving every minute of the warm dry weather of Baja California Sur. We've both loved eating out in new places and eating some of the best fish (Fried, Baked, in Tacos, Sushi, etc.) along the entire coast of North America.
We've had a few challenges in 2023 that we weren't expecting. Who'd of thought I'd break my wrist? That boat & medical insurance would be such a hassle in Mexico? That we can't find our prescriptions in Mexico? But with time, perseverance, support from friends and family (and $$$) we seem to be figuring things out. Its all part of the adventure.
In 2024, we are looking forward to continuing to explore new places with Okisollo along the West coast of Mexico. We hope to take a less aggressive schedule in terms of distance as compared to 2023. We plan to have some extended 'shore leave' during the North America summer with friends, family and some projects for our rentals. I'm sure the long term plan will evolve...
If it were easy, everyone would do it!